Eat Well

What you eat gives you energy throughout the day and is important to maintaining overall health. Whether you’re eating at Val or cooking for yourself, these tips will help you maximize your nourishment!

Do eat plenty of the good stuff: The Center for Disease Control recommends making half of your daily food intake (i.e. half your plate) fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and other substances that contribute to good health and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. In addition, most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories and are filling, helping to maintain a healthy weight. The rest of your diet should be made up of whole grains, protein, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats.

Don’t overdo the bad stuff: It’s okay to indulge now and then, but foods that are high in sugar, deep fried, or highly processed should be kept to the role of treat rather than main course.

Do listen to your body: Try to pay attention to your body’s cues and eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full. Notice whether particular foods make you feel groggy or give you an energy boost.

Don’t skip breakfast! It may be tempting to roll out of bed and go straight to class, but eating a healthy breakfast gives you energy to be able to get the most from that class. And, skipping breakfast is not an effective weight loss strategy. In fact, eating breakfast may help you lose or maintain a healthy weight, as it reduces hunger and cravings, and gives you the energy to be more active throughout the day.

Do eat first if you plan to party: If you plan to consume alcohol, having food in your stomach, particularly proteins, fats and dense carbohydrates, slows that absorption process and can help avoid some of the less pleasant effects of alcohol.